Three males arrested on suspicion of hashish manufacturing and manslaughter after two individuals had been killed in a Newcastle home explosion

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of drugs production and manslaughter after a house explosion in Newcastle claimed two lives.

Tragedy struck when the blast ripped through six flats on Violet Close, in Benwell, in the early hours of Wednesday October 16.

Archie York, just seven, died at the scene, while the body of Jason Laws, 35, was later discovered beneath debris.

Today three men – two in their 30s and one in his 50s – have been arrested, police have confirmed.

The scene at Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne following the large fire which left two people killed

Tributes paid after three adults and one child were taken to hospital following the houe explosion

Archie York, just seven, was one of two people who were killed by the explosion

Each has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of manslaughter, and the production of a Class B drug, namely cannabis.

They all remain in police custody at this time.

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘This has been a truly tragic incident which resulted in the loss of two lives.

‘As a result of our ongoing enquiries, three men have today been arrested in connection with the explosion.

‘Our investigation will remain ongoing as we seek to provide answers to what has happened.

‘We would continue to ask people to avoid speculation surrounding this incident both online and in the community.

‘Anyone with any information which could assist our enquiries should contact us as soon as possible if they have not already done so.

‘We would also like to thank people for their continued support and cooperation.’